Here Are Some Shows Available Online To Take Your Mind Off Things

    It's OK to take a break from the real world for a little bit.

    Andy Golder
    by Andy Golder

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. The Flash

    CW

    There's something about The Flash that just feels really pure and good. Grant Gustin brings the perfect amount of relentless optimism to the role, and the procedural structure of the show is a comfort without dragging the overall arc down.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    2. The Last Kingdom

    BBC

    This BBC-produced drama tells the historical but greatly embellished story of Uhtred, a boy born in a Saxon family who is abducted by invading Viking Danes who grows up to be a major player in the continuing war for control of England.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    3. Firefly

    Fox

    If you've seen it already, a re-watch of the short but beautiful Firefly is like a warm hug. If you haven't seen it, get ready to fall absolutely in love with this show and everyone in it. Don't let the sci-fi setting scare you; it's remarkably accessible.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    4. Supergirl

    CW

    Not enough superhero shows out there take the light, aspirational route these days, but this one does. Plus, shows full of powerful women are exactly the sort of thing we need to keep making.

    Episodes are available on Netflix, and new episodes air on the CW Mondays at 8 p.m.

    5. Galavant

    ABC

    I've got three words for you: singing, dancing knights. Galavant only got a couple of seasons, but the medieval musical fantasy comedy is 18 episodes of joy.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    6. The Good Place

    NBC

    The Good Place is new this season, but has already shown buckets of charm. The premise itself is transportive: Kristen Bell plays Eleanor, a woman who — due to a clerical error — ends up in some version of heaven instead of, you know, the alternative. The world-building is excellent, the jokes are on point, and Eleanor's gradual journey to becoming a better person might just give you hope.

    Episodes are available on Hulu, new episodes air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

    7. Cosmos

    Fox

    Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson hosts this documentary series that will teach you everything about the universe, from start to finish. The scale of it all might help provide perspective, but even if it doesn't, the beautiful visuals and influx of really interesting information will provide distraction.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    8. Lost

    ABC

    Few shows in the past couple of decades have created such a rich and immersive world as Lost has. If you've never given it a shot, now might be the time. If you've already seen it, a re-watch of your favorite episodes might bring some comfort.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    9. Peaky Blinders

    Netflix

    Taking place in Birmingham following the end of WWI, Peaky Blinders is your typical gangster show with a twist. If you were entranced by the likes of The Sopranos and Breaking Bad and would like a period piece in the same vein, give this one a shot.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    10. Chopped

    Food Network

    There's something calming about the repetitive structure of reality competition shows: You know what's coming every episode, but the result is still a surprise. Chopped is one of those shows you can watch with any level of attention, and there's a nice collection of episodes available to stream right now.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    11. Sword Art Online

    Aniplex

    Anime might not be your thing, but if you're willing to give it a shot, this show might be a good gateway. Players find themselves stuck in a video game world, and must live there while they fight the game's bosses to earn their way out. Few shows have done such a solid job of world-building, making this show (or at least the first chunk of it) very engrossing.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    12. Adventure Time

    Cartoon Network

    With short episodes and an endlessly positive attitude, Adventure Time is the epitome of a feel-good show. Every once in a while it'll get real on you, but that's just what keeps you watching. It's a must for anyone who appreciates the random, the colorful, and the absurd.

    Episodes are available on Hulu.

    13. Scrubs

    NBC

    Though it's a comedy of the almost slapstick variety, Scrubs also plays out as a medical soap opera, keeping you watching with the ever-changing interpersonal relationships of the workers at Sacred Heart Hospital. After a season or two, it'll pretty much feel like you work there as well.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.

    14. Chef's Table

    Netflix

    Soothing shots of beautiful food mix with interesting, engaging stories of chefs across the world in this Netflix documentary series. It can be very zen. It can also make you very hungry.

    Episodes are available on Netflix.